SECU collecting teachers’ classroom supplies

State Employees Credit Union branches throughout North Carolina are designated as drop-off locations for the Governor’s School Supply Drive, which aims to help provide teachers with classroom supplies.

“Far too often, teachers have to dip into their own pockets to cover the cost of classroom supplies that their students need to learn,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a news release. “It’s my hope that this supply drive is one day unnecessary, but until then, I encourage North Carolinians to help fill that gap by donating classroom supplies.”

Cooper said teachers spend an average of $500 for classroom supplies each year and that state funding for classroom tools has been cut in half since 2008.

The donation drive is set to begin Monday and will run through Sept. 8. Requested supplies include the following:

• All types of paper

• Pens, pencils, and dry erase markers

• Spiral notebooks

• Tissues and sanitizing wipes

In addition to all SECU branches, school supplies are accepted at state government buildings in Raleigh. Information on organizing a drive at a local business is available online at http://bit.ly/2vCjvql.

SECU has three branches in Wilson; 3990 Ward Blvd., 3004 N.C. 42 West and 4501 Nash St. NW, along with locations at 1201 Eastern Ave. in Nashville and 600 Western Blvd. in Tarboro.